Brazilian footballer Matheus Cunha, born on May 27, 1999, currently plays for Manchester United in the Premier League and represents the Brazil national team as a forward, attacking midfielder, or winger.
Cunha began his football journey in the youth ranks of Coritiba in Brazil before moving to Europe at the age of 18 to join Swiss side FC Sion. He later featured for RB Leipzig and Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga before making a transfer to Atlético Madrid in August 2021. In January 2023, he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers initially on loan.
Internationally, Cunha excelled with the Brazil under-23 team, winning a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, and made his senior debut for Brazil in September 2021.
Full Name: Matheus Santos Carneiro Cunha
Date of Birth: May 27, 1999
Place of Birth: João Pessoa, Brazil
Age: 26
Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position: Forward / Winger
Preferred Foot: Right
Early Life and Background
Born in João Pessoa, Brazil, Matheus Cunha developed a love for football from an early age. Encouraged by his family, he joined local youth academies, where his speed, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability quickly made him stand out.
Youth Career
Cunha began his youth career at Brazilian club Coritiba before moving to Europe to join Swiss side FC Sion. His time in Switzerland provided crucial exposure to European football, laying the foundation for his professional caree
Matheus Cunha Club Career
FC Sion
After catching the eye of scouts at the Dallas Cup youth tournament, Cunha began his youth career with Coritiba before signing with Swiss side FC Sion in July 2017 at age 18. He made an immediate impact, notably scoring a hat-trick in a 4–1 win over Thun in May 2018.
RB Leipzig
Cunha joined RB Leipzig on a five-year deal on June 24, 2018. He netted his first Bundesliga goal in November 2018 during a 3–0 win over his future club, Hertha BSC. His stunning goal against Bayer Leverkusen in April 2019 earned him a Bundesliga Goal of the Month award and a FIFA Puskás Award nomination. He also finished the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League season with six goals.
Hertha BSC
During the first half of the 2019–20 season, Cunha made 10 appearances for RB Leipzig, primarily as a substitute, scoring once. On January 31, 2020, he signed a long-term contract with Hertha BSC, seeking more regular playing time in the Bundesliga.
Atlético Madrid
On August 25, 2021, Cunha transferred to Atlético Madrid for an estimated €30 million, signing a five-year contract. He made an instant impression, scoring on his debut in a 2–2 draw against Levante.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Cunha joined Wolves on loan on January 1, 2023, for the remainder of the 2022–23 season, with an option to make the move permanent that summer, contingent on specific conditions. He debuted on January 4, 2023, as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 draw with Aston Villa and scored his first goal for Wolves on March 18 in a 4–2 home loss to Leeds United.
In the 2023–24 Premier League season, Cunha scored his first goal in a 3–2 defeat to Crystal Palace on September 3, 2023. He netted his first FA Cup goal via a penalty in extra time during a 3–2 Third Round replay win over Brentford on January 16, 2024, followed by another goal in a 2–0 victory over West Brom on January 28.
Cunha faced controversy on December 14, 2024, during a 2–1 home defeat to Ipswich Town, when he was accused by the FA of striking a visiting staff member. He was fined £80,000 and handed a two-match suspension on December 31. Despite this, he continued to impress, scoring in Wolves’ 2–0 win over Aston Villa on February 1, 2025, and signing a contract extension through 2029.
Manchester United
On June 1, 2025, Manchester United reached an agreement with Wolves to acquire Cunha. The transfer was finalized on June 12, 2025, for an estimated £62.5 million, marking the next chapter in his burgeoning career in the Premier League.
Style of Play
Cunha is a versatile forward capable of playing as a winger or central striker. Known for explosive pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing, he thrives in counter-attacking situations and excels in creating chances through intelligent movement. He can score from long-range and link up effectively with teammates, making him a constant threat in the final third.
International Career
Brazil U23
Cunha starred for Brazil’s U23 team, finishing as top scorer in the 2019 Toulon Tournament and the 2020 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament, helping Brazil qualify for the Olympics. He was part of the Brazil squad that won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scoring three goals in five appearances. Overall, Cunha scored 21 goals in 24 appearances for the U23 side.
Senior Team
Cunha received his first senior call-up in September 2020 for World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru. He made his senior debut on September 2, 2021, in a 1–0 victory over Chile, coming on as a substitute. He scored his first international goal on March 25, 2025, in a 4–1 defeat to Argentina.
Career Stats (as of 2025)
- FC Sion: 28 appearances, 8 goals
- RB Leipzig: 60 appearances, 18 goals
- Atlético Madrid: 72 appearances, 20 goals
- Brazil National Team: 18 caps, 5 goals
Transfers
- 2017: Promoted to FC Sion senior team
- 2018: Transferred to RB Leipzig
- 2021: Signed by Atlético Madrid
- 2025: Transferred to Manchester United
Net Worth
Estimated at $12 million, Cunha’s value has grown steadily thanks to his performances at both club and international level.
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Matheus Cunha is known for keeping a close-knit family life. He is married to social media personality Gabriela Nogueira, with whom he has been in a relationship since before turning professional. Gabriela is often seen supporting Cunha at matches and shares heartfelt messages about him on her Instagram, offering fans a glimpse into their life together.
Honours
Brazil U23
- Summer Olympics: 2020
- Toulon Tournament: 2019
Individual
- Wolverhampton Wanderers Players’ Player of the Season: 2024–25
Net Worth
As of 2025, Matheus Cunha’s projected net worth is between $8 million and $12 million. Wages from Leipzig, Hertha Berlin, Atletico Madrid, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, in addition to bonuses, endorsement income, and investment gains, make up Matheus Cunha’s net worth.